Why You Need to Visit Mei Mei Street Kitchen

Park Drive's newest hot spot.

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Venture down to South Campus these days and you’ll find yourself wondering, “Where did Giga’s go?” Though the old pizzeria sadly closed its doors for good last spring, there’s no need to look elsewhere in an attempt to quiet your grumbling stomach. Instead, step inside, and take a moment to welcome the Mei Mei restaurant. Oh, and while you’re at it, wipe that look of shock off your face. I know, the renovations to this place make it seem double the size it used to be, but the best is yet to come.

Photo by Lauren Fisher

Initially an award-winning food truck, the new brick-and-mortar location continues to serve up only the most imaginatively delectable Chinese-American cuisine on either side of the Charles. A certified Sustainable Business Leader by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, Mei Mei serves meat that is local, all natural, and pasture-raised, and sources seasonally, sustainably raised foods from local and family-based producers.

It’s really no wonder each and every menu item tastes as if it were made specifically for the eater. Take for example the Charred Cabbage Salad. Sure, sounds simple enough to make in your kitchen, and I’ll admit that Mei Mei inspired me to make my own. But, let me tell you: nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to Mei Mei’s version, composed of local cabbage and sliced apples, Narragansett Creamery sea salt feta, garlic panko breadcrumbs, and black bean vinaigrette. The soft cabbage and light black bean vinaigrette excite your taste buds with a sweet, yet savory flavor profile. The garlic panko elevates the flavor of the ripe apple, and with the help of the sea salt feta, simultaneously provides the perfect, salty crunch we all crave. Topped off with a perfectly poached egg, if you’re not a salad person now, you will be after trying this. No pressure though, Mei Mei’s menu is full of other options that change daily, so make sure to check out their kitchen musings here.

Photo by Lauren Fisher

For those of you who don’t find yourself in South Campus often, you’re in luck. Find Mei Mei’s sibling-run food truck by using this schedule, and I guarantee you’ll understand why its been awarded Boston’s Best Meal on Wheels by Boston Magazine and Boston’s Best Food Truck by the Improper Bostonian. Don’t say I didn’t warn you: you’ll soon join me and as a Mei Mei addict.